AAVSO Special Notice #54: Fading of 1544+28A R CrB

R CrB: 15:48:34.41 +28:09:24.3 (2000.0)

The prototype of its class and characterized by random fadings from maximum
light, 1544+28A R Coronae Borealis continues to fade in brightness. 
Observations reported to the AAVSO indicate that the present fading from its
maximum visual magnitude of 6.0 began in early July 2007. Fading slowly to 
about magnitude 7.0 by July 17, it remained at that magnitude before 
continuing to fade again on July 22, since when it has declined more steeply,
reaching magnitude 10.8 on August 6.

The last minimum of R CrB occurred in 2003, when it began fading from 6.0 in
early January, reached minimum of 12.7 at the end of February, remained
around minimum until mid-March, and returned to maximum in June.

Over 100 observers have contributed over 700 observations of R CrB to the
AAVSO International Database since the current fading began - we cannot list
all the observers or observations, as we would usually do. They may be seen
on the AAVSO website (http://www.aavso.org) as individual observations (via
the Quick Look page) or as a light curve (via the Light Curve Generator).

We thank you very much for your valuable contributions, and urge you to
keep a close eye on the unpredictable R CrB through its meanderings until
it has returned to maximum once again. (For an idea of just how unpredictable
R CrB can be, take a look at the historical light curve on the first page
of "AAVSO Monograph 4: Light Curves of R CrB 1843-1990"
(http://www.aavso.org/images/HISTRCRB.GIF). Much of the data in this figure
and all subsequent data may be viewed via the Light Curve Generator.)

Good observing!

This Special Notice was compiled by: Elizabeth O. Waagen




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